Hybrid Electric Power Motor, System, and Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A hybrid electrical motor includes a shaft, an electrical subsystem, and a gas subsystem. The electrical subsystem is operable to output a force that rotates the shaft. The gas subsystem is also operable to output a force that rotates the shaft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/216,895, filed May 22, 2009, and entitled HYBRID ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM AND VEHICLE; the aforementioned application being hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate to electrical vehicles, and more specifically, a hybrid electrical motor, system and vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Electric vehicles are a desirable form of transportation because they emit no particulate matter, no greenhouse gases, they do not require fossil fuels, they are more energy efficient, and they cost less per mile in to operate (e.g. www.tesla.com). The problem with current electric vehicles is that the energy density of batteries, even high powered lithium batteries, are much lower than the energy density of gasoline. The lower energy density batteries require that electric vehicles be much larger and heavier (and costlier) or that the range, per charge, is greatly sacrificed. Cost and energy density are the major obstacles inhibiting adoption of electric vehicles today.

A benefit of electric motors is that they are efficient and have high torque, and therefore very good and efficient at acceleration. Hence, hybrids of the electric motor and internal combustion engine type, have proven to be a synergistic combination with excellent market adoption (e.g. TOYOTA PRIUS). Besides emissions, problems with the internal combustion engine include complexity, large number of moving parts, weight, costly to integrate with electrical motors.

There are many types of motors or engines. This invention relates to turbine engines (motors) and electric motors. Turbine motors comprise of plates or blades attached to a shaft in some configuration wherein a gas applies a force on said blade or plate causing the shaft to rotate. Jet engines would be an example of a turbine engine. Electric motors comprise a rotor and a stator wherein the rotor is attached to a shaft and comprises windings that creates a magnetic field when electric current is applied to said windings, hence the term “electromagnetic motor” or “electric motor”. The stator comprises a second magnetic field from either a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Examples of electric motors similar to the invention described herein are the printed motor comprised of a punched copper stator as described in www.printedmotorworks.com. Another example of a related electric motor design is the Segmented ElectroMagnetic Array (SEMA) motor described in www.e-torq.com.

Turbine engines, such as the blade turbine or Tesla turbine, are not as efficient and responsive at acceleration but are very effective at high continuous speeds (e.g. see www.teslaengine.org). The invention described herein is a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an electric motor and a turbine engine. Optionally, the turbine engine is a Tesla engine driven by the energy stored in compressed air. This synergistic combination allows for the electric motor to be used during acceleration and the turbine engine to be used during high speeds, such as highway driving, where sustaining speed, not acceleration, is required.

The benefits of this invention is that a hybrid electric vehicle can be produced that is less costly and has a longer range between charges. This vehicle is less costly because fewer batteries are required, is more efficient, and does not require an internal combustion engine, complicated electronic integration, and does not require gasoline or fossil fuel. Because some of the energy is supplied from compressed air, the lower electric power demand could make energy supplied from batteries and photovoltaics a more viable hybrid solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a hybrid electrical motor comprising a gas subsystem and an electrical subsystem, under an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hybrid electrical motor comprising separate gas turbine and electrical motor, under an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a conventional Tesla gas turbine.

FIG. 3B illustrates a gas turbine that operates as a hybrid electrical motor, under an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a plate for use in the gas turbine, under an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the plate shown in FIG. 4A, under an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a hybrid electrical motor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a motorcycle that is designed to include a hybrid electrical motor in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

According to an embodiment, a hybrid electrical motor is provided that includes an electrical subsystem and a gaseous turbine subsystem, each of which can be used to provide or contribute force directed to rotating a shaft.

In one embodiment, a hybrid electrical motor includes a shaft, an electrical subsystem, and a gas subsystem. The electrical subsystem is operable to output a force that rotates the shaft. The gas subsystem is also operable to output a force that rotates the shaft.

In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a hybrid electrical motor having an electrical subsystem and a gas/air subsystem which combine to rotate a common shaft.

According to some embodiments, the electrical and gas subsystems are integrated to utilize a same structure and common set of components. In one embodiment, the electrical and gas subsystems are integrated within a common housing, and more specifically, integrated so that each subsystem uses a common set of components within the housing. In one embodiment, the hybrid motor includes a housing that retains multiple rotating plates that combine to rotate the shaft of the motor. The plates are rotatable using magnetic flux (electrical operation) and/or compressed air (turbine operation). The housing and the plates form components of both the electrical and gas subsystem.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hybrid electrical motor comprising a gas subsystem and an electrical subsystem, according to an embodiment. More specifically, an embodiment includes a system 100 that includes an electrical subsystem 110 and a gas subsystem 120. The electrical subsystem 110 operates off of one or more battery modules 112. The gas subsystem operates off of a source for air or gas, such as compressed air or gas tanks 122. Each of the electrical subsystem 110 and gas subsystem 120 is operable to output a force for rotating a shaft 130. The shaft 130 rotates to provide the power train of a vehicle, such as an automobile, all terrain vehicle or motorcycle (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 2 illustrates a hybrid electrical motor comprising separate gas turbine and electrical motor, according to an embodiment. A hybrid electrical motor 200 includes, as components, an electrical motor 210, a gas turbine 220, and a shaft 230. The electrical motor 210 and the gas turbine 220 operate to output rotate the shaft 230. In an embodiment such as depicted, electrical motor 210 and the gas turbine 220 are not integrated, but rather operate separately under different housings. In one embodiment, the electrical motor 210 and the gas turbine 220 are constructed to operate within different housing structures (although the combined structure may be provided under one housing). Each of the electrical motor 210 and gas turbine 220 operates to exert a force for rotating shaft 230. The shaft 230 can rotate, for example, a chain sprocket 240 as part of the drive train for the vehicle.

As an alternative to separate gas turbine and electric motor, other embodiments can employ an integrated electric/gas hybrid motor. In particular, some embodiments provide for integrating electrical motor structure and features into a gas turbine, and more specifically, into a Tesla gas turbine.

FIG. 3A illustrates a conventional Tesla gas turbine. A conventional Tesla gas turbine includes an air intake 302, outtake 304, a housing 306 and plates 308. Air flow via intake 302 and outtake 304 provides shear which spins plates 308 within the housing 306. The spinning plates in turn, perform work that results in the rotation of a shaft 309 which is coupled to the plates. Thus, the shaft 309 rotates with rotation of the plates 308.

FIG. 3B illustrates a gas turbine that operates as a hybrid electrical motor, under an embodiment. According to some embodiments, a hybrid electrical motor 320 includes a Tesla turbine construction that integrates coils and magnetic for generating electricity.

More specifically, hybrid electrical motor 320 includes a gas turbine subsystem that includes intake 322, outtake 324, and a plurality of electrically enabled plates 330. The hybrid electrical motor 320 also includes an electric motor subsystem that is integrated with the gas turbine subsystem. The electric motor subsystem is formed from a combination of coils and magnetic material which induce a magnetic field with electrical input that results in the electrically enabled plates 330 spinning. Thus, the hybrid electrical motor 320 is combined with a gas source to receive gas (e.g. air) in order to spin the electrically enabled plates 330. The plates 330 can thus spin from electrical input and/or air/gas input. The plates spin to physically rotate the shaft or axle of a corresponding vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the electrically enabled plates are comprised of conductive windings 341 that are provided about corresponding plate structures 343. The electric motor subsystem also includes magnetic material 340 provided within housing structure 350. In one embodiment, the magnetic material 340 is provided axially on the walls 352 of the housing structure 350, so as to be substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the electric plates 330. The magnetic material 340 may be either a static magnet, or an electromagnet that becomes magnetic with the application of current/charge.

In some embodiments, the electrically enabled plates 330 have the general shape and dimension of plates used in a conventional Tesla turbine. Thus, for example, the electrically enabled plates 330 may be disk shaped, and capable of spinning with the application of shear force from compressed gas intake. However, in contrast to conventional Tesla turbines, one or more of plates 330 are integrated with wiring 341 that is wound about a thickness of the plate to carry electricity from the electrical input. The current flows on the windings of the individual plates 330 (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B), in presence of magnetic material 352 provided axially within housing 350, resulting in the electrically enabled plates 330 spinning within the housing. The plates are coupled to a shaft 360 which spins with the plates as a result of the application of electrical input (electrical work) or compressed air.

In operation, the hybrid electrical motor 320 outputs force that spins shaft 360. Electrical input 355 is provided from a source such as a battery module (not shown). Compressed gas is provided from a source such as compressed air tanks. In one embodiment, the air intake provides an assist to the electric input, meaning the electrical power is the primary cause of the output for spinning the shaft 360. The turbine subsystem thus serves as a mechanism for improving the efficiency/performance of the electrical subsystem 320.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a plate for use in the gas turbine, under an embodiment. In an embodiment, the plate 410 corresponds to one of the electric plates 330 in the hybrid electrical motor 320 (see FIG. 3B). The plate 410 can be disk shaped (e.g. circular or oval) with center coupled or bored for a shaft (not shown). A top façade 412 of the disk 410 is structured to include coils 420. In one embodiment, the coils 420 extend into the thickness of the disk, so as to extend between the top façade 412 and the bottom façade 414 (see FIG. 4B) through individual vias 432 that pass through a thickness of the individual plates 410.

The orientation, pattern, quantity and arrangement of coils 420 can vary. For example, multiple layers of coil 420 may be provided, so that one layer is wound over another. In an embodiment such as shown by FIG. 4A, the coils 420 extend linearly on each façade 412, 414 in the magnetic north/south direction. The coils 420 further include windings that comprise multiple segments that have greatest linear dimension proximate to the rim 411 of the plate 410, and least linear surface dimension closest to center 415. The coils are symmetrically distributed about the center 415 of the plate, with each set of coils 420 forming one of the north or south pole of the magnetic field that results within housing 350 (see FIG. 3B).

FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the plate shown in FIG. 4A, under an embodiment. Each plate 410 includes a thickness between the top and bottom facades 412, 414. Multiple vias 432 can extend through the thickness and between the top and bottom facades 412, 414. The vias 432 carry wiring or conductive material for forming the windings that comprise the coils 420.

According to some embodiments, the plates 410 are configured to carry magnetic material to further increase the magnetic field generated as a result of the plates 430 rotating within the housing of the motor. In one embodiment, each plate carries a layer 452 of magnetic material within its thickness. In one embodiment, the magnetic layers 452 are comprised of ferromagnetic material, such as superparamagnetic material.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a hybrid electrical motor, under an embodiment. In an embodiment, the motor 500 includes a housing 510 that retains a plurality of plates 520. The housing 510 includes magnetic material 530 provided on the housing walls 532. The housing 510 includes an air intake 512 for receiving air.

The plates 520 are structured to rotate within the housing 510 when either electrical power is present, or when compressed air (or other gas) is received. As mentioned with other embodiments, the plates 520 includes windings that create a magnetic field when current is applied to the windings. As mentioned with another embodiment, the plates 520 may also include magnetic material to increase the operative magnetic field when the plates spin.

In operation, the motor 500 may operate as (i) an electrical motor, (ii) a gas turbine, and (iii) an electrical/gas turbine hybrid. When input is received from, for example, a battery, resulting current on the windings of the plates 520 results in a magnetic field that, in the presence of the magnetic material 530 of housing 510, causes the plates 520 to spin. The spinning plates 520 in turn apply force to the axle 540.

In turbine mode, compressed air forces the plates 520 to rotate. In turn, the rotating plates 520 rotate the axle 540.

In hybrid mode, both air and electric input combine to rotate the plates 520, to cause corresponding force on the axle 540.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments described herein may be implemented as a 72V DC motor, such as manufactured by ADVANCED DC MOTORS, connected to a controller (such as manufactured by CURTIS PMC DC Motor Controller). A battery pack may be included in the vehicle by stacking batteries. The batteries may correspond to modules that individually include 60 count 1.2 volt/9 amp-hour Supreme Nickel Metal Hydride batteries connected in series. The vehicle may include multiple modules connected in parallel. For example, two modules connected in parallel provide a 72 volt/18 amp-hour battery pack. The battery pack, motor, and controller are connected to a switch and potbox for operation.

With reference to FIG. 6, a vehicle is provided by a motorcycle 600. A battery pack 610, modified gas/air motor 620, and controller 630 are mounted to a motorcycle frame 640 with tires 642, shocks, and handlebars 644 for steering. A chain 645 connects a rear sprocket 646 on a rear tire 642 to a motor shaft 658. In one configuration, two 80 cubic foot compressed air tanks 660 are mounted to the frame 640 under a seat 638. The tanks 660 are connected in parallel to an air regulator, and a compressed air line is run from the regulator to the gas/air motor 620.

Table 1 and 2 below illustrate how the use of gas turbines can combine to provide synergistic hybrid power system for vehicles. In Table 1, energy density and specific energy are calculated when batteries are used (e.g. VALENCE TECHNOLOGIES). As comparison, Table 2 shows how much energy is stored in a practical volume of compressed air and the specific energy density. As the Tables indicate, the energy density of compressed air is not as high as the lithium battery packs but the cost of a high pressure cylinder is much less than lithium batteries and lifetime of a pressure cylinder is much higher than lithium batteries. The energy density, cost, and durability of compressed air make it a synergistic energy storage technology with batteries.

TABLE 1 Example of High energy density battery packs. Valence Nominal Tech- Capacity nologies (C/5, Watt- Specific Energy Part# Voltage 23° C.) hrs Weight energy density U24- 12.8 V 110 Ah 1408 15.8 kg 89 Wh/kg 139 Wh/l 12RT U27- 12.8 V 138 Ah 1766.4 19.5 kg 91 Wh/kg 148 Wh/l 12RT

TABLE 2 Calculated Energy in Compressed Air (specific energy assumes composite cylinder) Specific V P Work* Watt- energy (liter) (atm) (joules) hrs (Wh/kg) 10 224 1226589 340.75 68.1 20 224 2453178 681.49 68.1

Alternatives and Variations

As an alternative to a Tesla turbine configuration, in which air/gas provides sheer to rotate plates, one or more embodiments may use blades driven by air or gas intake. Thus, alternative gas turbine configurations may be used.

While many embodiments are described in connection with a battery module or back as providing the electrical input, variations may provide for use of solar power. For example, the vehicle may be equipped with solar panels that supply electrical input to the hybrid motor.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, variations to specific embodiments and details are encompassed by this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. Thus, absence of describing combinations should not preclude the inventor(s) from claiming rights to such combinations. 

1. A hybrid electrical motor comprising: a shaft; an electrical subsystem operable to output a force to rotate the shaft; and a gas subsystem operable to output a force to rotate the shaft.
 2. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 1, wherein the electrical subsystem is an electric motor, the gas subsystem is a gas turbine, and wherein the electric motor and gas turbine are separately housed and operate on the same shaft.
 3. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 1, wherein the electrical subsystem and the gas subsystem are provided in a common housing.
 4. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 3, wherein the gas subsystem comprises: a gas intake to receive a gaseous input; a plurality of plates that are oriented to rotate as a result of gaseous input; and wherein the electrical subsystem comprises: a plurality of windings provided about at least one or more of the plurality of plates; magnetic material provided within the housing.
 5. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 4, wherein the plurality of plates are oriented so that the gaseous input rotates the individual plates by shear force.
 6. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 4, wherein one or more of the plurality of plates comprises magnetic material.
 7. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 6, wherein the magnetic material includes superparamagnetic material.
 8. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 6, wherein the magnetic material is provided as a layer within the one or more plates.
 9. The hybrid electrical motor of claim 1, wherein the gas subsystem is coupled to receive compressed gas.
 10. A vehicle comprising: a hybrid electrical motor comprising: a shaft; an electrical subsystem operable to output a force to rotate the shaft; and a gas subsystem operable to output a force to rotate the shaft; a battery module to power the electrical subsystem; and a source for compressed gas to power the gas subsystem.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the source for compressed gas includes one or more tanks that hold compressed air.
 12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.
 13. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the electrical subsystem is an electric motor, the gas subsystem is a gas turbine, and wherein the electric motor and gas turbine are separately housed and operate on the same shaft.
 14. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the electrical subsystem and the gas subsystem are provided in a common housing.
 15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the gas subsystem comprises: a gas intake to receive a gaseous input; a plurality of plates that are oriented to rotate as a result of gaseous input; and wherein the electrical subsystem comprises: a plurality of windings provided about at least one or more of the plurality of plates; magnetic material provided within the housing.
 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the plurality of plates are oriented so that the gaseous input rotates the individual plates by shear force.
 17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of plates comprises magnetic material.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the magnetic material includes superparamagnetic material.
 19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the magnetic material is provided as a layer within the one or more plates.
 20. A hybrid electrical motor comprising: a Tesla turbine structure including rotatable plates provided within a housing, wherein the rotatable plates include one or more plates that are electrically enabled, and wherein the housing is magnetized so that electrical input applied to the plates causes the plates to spin within the housing. 